Musa Barrow is the talismanic star of Gambian football, whose blend of creative flair and clinical finishing has established him as one of the most dangerous forwards in West Africa.
Versatile attacker capable of playing as a left winger or a central striker, he is renowned for his spectacular long-range strikes and ability to decide matches in clutch moments.
Currently, Barrow is playing his trade in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Taawoun, where he has become the cornerstone of their attack following his move from Italian side Bologna in late 2023. As of January 2026, he remains one of the top performers in the Gulf, entering the prime of his career.
At the international level, Barrow is the undisputed face of the Scorpions. Since leading the Gambia to a historic quarter-final run in their debut AFCON in 2021, he has continued to be their primary source of goals. As of January 2026, he has earned over 50 caps, recently scoring twice in a 7-0 World Cup qualifying demolition of the Seychelles.
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Salary
Per professional estimates and Saudi Pro League salary benchmarks, Gambian international Musa Barrow earns a marquee wage at Al-Taawoun on a contract that runs until June 30, 2026.
While Saudi clubs are not required to disclose exact figures, Barrow’s deal reflects his status as a high-profile European import. It is estimated that he earns approximately $40,000 per week, making him one of the highest-paid Gambian athlete in history and a vital investment for the Buraidah-based club.
| Annual Salary | $2,080,000 |
| Monthly Salary | $173,334 |
| Weekly Salary | $40,000 |
| Daily Salary | $5,714 |
Market Value
According to Transfermarkt, the 27-year-old Gambian forward’s current market value is approximately €7.2 million as of January 2026.
His valuation reached a peak of €20 million during his time in Serie A. While playing in the Saudi Pro League has shifted his market dynamic, he remains the most valuable player in the Al-Taawoun squad and the second most valuable Gambian player globally, trailing only Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh.
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| Date | Market Value | Age | Club |
| 02.01.2018 | €500,000 | 19 | Atalanta BC |
| 12.12.2019 | €5,000,000 | 21 | Atalanta BC |
| 06.03.2021 | €20,000,000 | 22 | Bologna |
| 06.07.2022 | €18,000,000 | 23 | Bologna |
| 06.15.2023 | €11,000,000 | 24 | Bologna |
| 06.04.2024 | €8,000,000 | 25 | Al-Taawoun |
| 12.18.2025 | €7,000,000 | 27 | Al-Taawoun |
Career
Musa Barrow’s football journey is a narrative of rapid success in Italy followed by a lucrative move to the Middle East:
- Youth / Early career: Discovered in the Gambia with Hawks FC, he was scouted by Atalanta and moved to Italy in 2016. He became a sensation in the Primavera (youth) league, scoring 23 goals in just 18 games.
- Atalanta & Bologna (2018–2023): Barrow made a major impact in Serie A, first with Atalanta’s “miracle” squad and later with Bologna, where he recorded 27 goals and 28 assists across 128 appearances. He became known across Europe for his “curled” finishes from the left wing.
- Al-Taawoun (2023–Present): Joined the Saudi side for a fee of €8 million. Since his arrival, he has been prolific, recording 13 league goals in the 2024/25 season and continuing that hot form into the 2025/26 campaign.
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Accolades & highlights
Barrow’s career highlight remains the 2021 AFCON, where he was named in the Tournament’s Best XI after scoring the winning goals that took the Gambia to the quarter-finals.
In late 2025, his form in the Saudi Pro League saw him nominated for the Player of the Month award multiple times. As of the start of 2026, he is chasing the milestone of becoming the Gambia’s all-time leading scorer, currently sitting on 14 international goals and closing in on the record.
